How Far Will 'Smart' Homes Go?

As technology progresses, new industries are created, and one of the most talked about sectors at the moment is the the growth of the 'smart' home. The reason that I refer to it as a 'smart' home rather than a smart home is because of the scepticism around whether the so-called benefits are really necessary. Whilst being able to control your lights with your phone may seem an amazing feature, is there really an issue with the good old fashioned light switch? Is there really a problem with flicking the kettle on yourself?

On top of the scepticism around whether the benefits are really addressing issues, or merely just creating issues to boost sales, is the problem over how much data theses devices hold about you. Do you really want a smart speakers listening to all of your conversations? Do you want cameras watching you 24/7? And out of these questions brings the topic of security, would you trust a device to lock your front door, or make sure your windows are shut, surely nothing beats checking it yourself.

Whilst I am not suggesting that the 'smart' home isn't something that will benefit us all in the future, in its current form, it can easily be seen as an overpriced piece of technology that is merely creating a solution to a problem you never knew you had. However, across the next 10 years, along with the development of voice-controlled technologies, there will undoubtedly be an increase in 'smart' homes globally, but I believe it will be more customer-focussed. Not everyone wants sound, lighting, heat, etc. controls, but if an affordable system was available whereby you can merely choose several devices, I believe this could be huge. Let us know what you think!